Sprocker History

Springer and Cocker Spaniels were selectively bred from Land Spaniels so it is safe to assume that they have been crossed either accidentally or by gamekeepers ever since . However it is only
in the last 20 or so years that their popularity has risen and they have become known as Sprockers.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Gamekeepers in Scotland initiated the breeding of Springers and Cockers to create a dual purpose working field Spaniel for the big estates, combining the best
traits of both Spaniel types for flushing across varied ground cover. Sprockers found their way into family homes in ever increasing numbers and they have proved to be, like many Spaniels, the ideal
family pet.

Today even recognised Cocker Spaniel & Springer Spaniel breeders have started using their Sires & Dams to produce litters of Sprockers. Many people assume that Sprockers are part of the
current trend for designer dogs, however the Sprocker is clearly not a designer dog as he is the result of breeding two types of Spaniel rather than two different breeds and has probably been around
ever since Springers and Cockers were bred from original land Spaniels.

It is difficult to estimate accurately how many Sprockers there are in the UK but it is probably between 5000 & 10,000 which would mean the Sprocker is one of the most popular Spaniel types
right now. One online Facebook community, Recognise the Sprocker Spaniel has over 2000 members. Another, I love my Sprocker Spaniel has over 1000 members.